I read 2 books by Tamora Pierce while in bed with a bad cold. Pierce is easy to read, so is eminently suitable for such times. One was Terrier, about a girl called Beka starting work in the police service in a medieval type fantasy setting with magic and gods. The other was Trickster's Queen, sequel to Trickster's Choice, about a girl called Aly helping run and plan a revolution to get rid of a bad ruler and put a better candidate on the throne, in the same sort of setting.
It isn't a good idea to read two Pierce's so close together though, it brings out her flaws. Pierce will over-egg the pudding - all her main characters are gifted at their jobs or desired vocation, are recognised as such by all around them, have good mentors, gain or already have the interested attention of high status persons, and have the help of the gods. Beka has a cat recognised as from the gods by everyone as it has purple eyes and behaves in very helpful ways. The Trickster god talks to Aly and sends her other assistance. Aly needs to spy on people - her aunt sends her the fantasy equivalent of listening bugs, conveniently tiny beings who can shape change.
The heroines never have tests of character in the novels, only tests of competence. They are always brilliantly competant at the climax of the book. Early in the novel they may briefly fail through inexperience, but in no other way. Read one Pierce at a time when you want something undemanding.
Terrier was first published in 2006.
Trickster's Queen was first published in 2004
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